Founding fathers of the European Union
The founding fathers of the European Union are men who are considered to be major contributors to European unity and the development of what is now the European Union. The number and list of the founding fathers of the EU varies depending on the source. In a publication from 2013 the European Union listed 11 men. All but one were from the Inner Six of the European Union.
The monument "Homage to the Founding Fathers of Europe" in front of Robert Schuman's house in Scy-Chazelles by Russian artist Zurab Tsereteli, unveiled 20 October 2012. The statues represent the four founders of Europe – Alcide De Gasperi, Robert Schuman, Jean Monnet and Konrad Adenauer.
Image: Bundesarchiv B 145 Bild F078072 0004, Konrad Adenauer
Image: Joseph Bech (detail)
Image: Johan Beyen 1955 (1)
The European Union (EU) is a supranational political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe. The Union has a total area of 4,233,255 km2 (1,634,469 sq mi) and an estimated total population of over 448 million. The EU has often been described as a sui generis political entity combining the characteristics of both a federation and a confederation.
Treaty of Paris (1951), establishing the ECSC
Signing ceremony of the Treaty of Rome (1957), establishing the ECC
Gerald Ford and the American delegation at the CSCE (1975)
Maastricht Treaty (1992), establishing the EU
